Elizabeth "Liza" Minor has been chosen for our AICP Outstanding Student of the Year award.

Among the several outstanding students in our graduating class, Liza stands out because of her excellent academic performance, leadership activities and contributions to our School, to the University, to the planning profession and to the community. 

Liza has focused on land use and environmental planning. She is the Sustainability Chair for the Urban and Regional Planning Student Association as well as the Sustainability Liaison for the UI Graduate and Professional Student Government. As a research assistant with Dr. Scott Spak, she worked on urban food systems and adaptation to climate change at the UI Public Policy Center. She will present her research findings at the National APA conference in Seattle (her preliminary research results were recognized by an award in the Midwest APA student poster contest).

As a Conservation intern for the Poweshiek County Soil and Water Conservation District, Liza worked for the Little Bear Creek Watershed Project and on urban conservation practices for the City of Grinnell, Iowa. She also volunteered with IOWater to support water quality monitoring in the Little Bear Creek Watershed. Her work in the Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities on stormwater management in Decorah, Iowa is also outstanding, as well as her personal initiative to develop a new Green Alleys plan for the City of Iowa City.

Liza has not only developed outstanding analytical skills, but also sharpened her ability to apply these skills to both planning research and practice. She is extremely hard working and consistently produces work of the highest quality. We have no doubt that she will excel in any planning career she will pursue.

The award will be presented to Liza at our graduation reception in May. Congratulations Liza!